Selected from 67 domestic and international applications, the 20 finalists, split equally between the enterprise and student brackets, represent key sectors including artificial intelligence, information technology, biotechnology, and renewable energy. The winners will be announced on August 19 at the opening of the main SURF 2026 festival.

Organizers introduced the dual-track format this year to cater to startups at different development stages, creating a structured platform for teams to present their projects to expert judges and connect with potential investors.

Le Thi Thuc, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, emphasized that the city’s support extends well beyond the competition. Winning teams will gain access to preferential innovation policies, specialized incubation programs, and direct connections with global investment funds.

"The Department of Science and Technology will continue advising on legal frameworks to remove obstacles for startups, while acting as a bridge between enterprises, research institutes, universities, venture capital funds, and global innovation hubs," Thuc said.

Startup forum bridges Silicon Valley and local innovation ecosystem

VOV.VN - The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), Saigon Asset Management (SAM), and Plug and Play Tech Centre co-hosted the “From Vietnam to Silicon Valley” forum, exploring AI innovation, venture capital, and pathways to integrate Vietnam’s startup ecosystem with Silicon Valley and global markets.